Light-filtering optical accessory

ABSTRACT

A method and system is provided for controlling the intensity and wavelength of light that is perceived by a user to achieve optimal contrasts when viewing medical images. A medical image reviewing system may include at least one medical image displaying monitor and a light-filtering optical eyewear. The light-filtering optical eyewear may include an eyewear frame, the eyewear frame including a first temple, a second temple, and a lens frame, the lens frame being centrally connected between the first temple and the second temple. The light-filtering optical eyewear may further include a first ambient light shield, the first ambient light shield being connected along the first temple. The light-filtering optical eyewear may further include a second ambient light shield, the second ambient light shield being connected along the second temple. The light-filtering optical eyewear may further include a light-filtering lens assembly configured to optimize the contrasts of the medical images being viewed by the user and maintain activation of rods in the eyes of the user for low light level viewing by the user.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/258,120 filed Nov. 20, 2015 and 62/355,519 filed Jun. 28, 2016;all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an optical device that isworn by a person while diagnosing medical images produced throughradiology in order to control the intensity and wavelength of lightwhich is transmitted in order to achieve optimal contrasts when viewingmedical images.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ideal conditions for viewing medical images are hard to come by and haveled to the development of rooms designed explicitly for that purpose.These dark rooms provide several advantages, one of which is optimalcontrast for viewing certain types of images, for example, medicalimaging produced through radiology. Diagnostic medical images aretypically obtained by utilizing multiple technologies, includingUltrasound, X-ray, Computer Tomography (CT scan), Magnetic ResonanceTomography (MRI), Nuclear medicine, and Positron Emission Tomography(PET). The obtained images are in DICOM (Digital Imaging andCommunications in Medicine) format and are viewed utilizing a PACS(Picture Archiving and Communication System) on corresponding diagnosticmonitors. For optimal viewing of these images on said diagnosticmonitors, it is desirable to optimize contrast in order to better detectmedically significant features.

In typical reading stations utilized by medical professionals, there aremultiple monitors that allow the medical professional to review theentire series of images for a particular exam. During review, themedical professional also utilizes all relevant prior exams and crossmodality images to aid in interpretation; these prior exams and crossmodality images are displayed on additional monitors. Further, there aretypically monitors provided for reviewing patient data from clinicalnotes and pathology reports to again assist in interpretation. Theability to easily see and review all this information is verybeneficial, but one drawback is that the multi-monitor setup increasesambient light which in turn diminishes visual acuity. It is desirable toaddress the issue of diminished visual acuity while maintaining theadvantages of a multi-monitor setup.

The present invention assists with such viewing by allowing for contrastto be optimized via filtering of light. Both color filters andtransmittance filters can be used to control the color of the image andbrightness of the surrounding area. This allows for an optimal level ofcontrast to be achieved for any given image. Filtering mechanisms may beof an active/smart type, a passive type, or a combination thereof.Furthermore, the present invention is applicable in a variety of fieldsbeyond medical imaging.

While devices exist which can serve similar purposes, they are lackingin one or more areas. Compared to these existing devices, the presentinvention has several advantages. For one, the present invention iscompact and ergonomic, allowing it to be comfortably worn over a longduration (e.g., several hours). The construction of the presentinvention also does not directly contact radiological images. Otheradvantages include an unrestricted field of view, the option for bothactive and passive light filtration, reduction of ambient light, andoverall improved visual acuity and optimal image contrast.

The present invention helps maintain activation of rods in the eye forlow light level viewing by filtering light. This is advantageous as ittakes a long time for the eye to activate rods in place of cones, timewhich is saved by the present invention. The present invention's focuson optimizing visual acuity and contrast is beneficial as it accentuatesthe sensitivity of eyes to spectra.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in an embodiment contemplates a light-filteringoptical eyewear for controlling the intensity and wavelength of lightthat is perceived by a user to achieve optimal contrasts when viewingmedical images, the light-filtering optical eyewear includes an eyewearframe, the eyewear frame including a first temple, a second temple, anda lens frame, the lens frame being centrally connected between the firsttemple and the second temple; a first ambient light shield, the firstambient light shield being connected along the first temple; a secondambient light shield, the second ambient light shield being connectedalong the second temple; a light-filtering lens assembly configured tooptimize the contrasts of the medical images being viewed by the userand maintain activation of rods in the eyes of the user for low lightlevel viewing by the user, the light-filtering lens assembly including avoltage-driven display, the voltage-driven display being a liquidcrystal light filter and mounted onto the eyewear frame and beingconfigured to adjust a total transmittance of light and a color of thevoltage-driven display based on a voltage provided to the voltage-drivendisplay, when the user is in a dark room, the total transmittance oflight of the voltage-driven display being adjustable to be within therange of approximately 85-95% transmittance of light and the color ofthe voltage-driven display being yellow, and when the user is in alighted area or in daylight, the total transmittance of light of thevoltage-driven display being adjustable to be within the range ofapproximately 40-60% transmittance of light and the color of thevoltage-driven display being red; an electrical system, the electricalsystem being electrically coupled to the light-filtering lens assembly,the electrical system includes a processor; a power source; and apotentiometer, the potentiometer being configured to manually adjust thevoltage provided to the voltage-driven display; and at least one ambientlight sensor, the at least one ambient light sensor being electricallycoupled to the electrical system and being configured to automaticallyadjust the voltage provided to the voltage-driven display.

The present invention in another embodiment contemplates a medical imagereviewing system for controlling the intensity and wavelength of lightthat is perceived by a user to achieve optimal contrasts when viewingmedical images, the medical image reviewing system includes at least onemedical image displaying monitor and a light-filtering optical eyewear.The light-filtering optical eyewear includes an eyewear frame, theeyewear frame including a first temple, a second temple, and a lensframe, the lens frame being centrally connected between the first templeand the second temple; a first ambient light shield, the first ambientlight shield being connected along the first temple; a second ambientlight shield, the second ambient light shield being connected along thesecond temple; a light-filtering lens assembly configured to optimizethe contrasts of the medical images being viewed by the user andmaintain activation of rods in the eyes of the user for low light levelviewing by the user, the light-filtering lens assembly including avoltage-driven display, the voltage-driven display being a liquidcrystal light filter and mounted onto the eyewear frame and beingconfigured to adjust a total transmittance of light and a color of thevoltage-driven display based on a voltage provided to the voltage-drivendisplay, when the user is in a dark room, the total transmittance oflight of the voltage-driven display being adjustable to be within therange of approximately 85-95% transmittance of light and the color ofthe voltage-driven display being yellow, and when the user is in alighted area or in daylight, the total transmittance of light of thevoltage-driven display being adjustable to be within the range ofapproximately 40-60% transmittance of light and the color of thevoltage-driven display being red; an electrical system, the electricalsystem being electrically coupled to the light-filtering lens assembly,the electrical system includes a processor; a power source; and apotentiometer, the potentiometer being configured to manually adjust thevoltage provided to the voltage-driven display; and at least one ambientlight sensor, the at least one ambient light sensor being electricallycoupled to the electrical system and being configured to automaticallyadjust the voltage provided to the voltage-driven display.

In an alternative embodiment, the light-filtering optical eyewearincludes the power source being housed in the eyewear frame and thepotentiometer being mounted to the eyewear frame; the lens frameincludes a first rim, a second rim, and a bridge, the first rim beingconnected between the first temple and the bridge, the second rim beingconnected between the second temple and the bridge, and the bridge beingconnected between the first rim and the second rim; the voltage-drivendisplay includes a first display and a second display, the first displaybeing connected to the first rim and the second display being connectedto the second rim; a voltage applied to the first display of thevoltage-driven display is different from a voltage applied to the seconddisplay of the voltage-driven display; the first temple being hingedlyconnected to the first rim and the second temple being hingedlyconnected to the second rim; the first ambient light shield beingpositioned adjacent to the first rim and the second ambient light shieldbeing positioned adjacent to the second rim; the light-filtering opticaleyewear further including a wireless module, the wireless module beinghoused within the eyewear frame and being electronically coupled to thepotentiometer; the light-filtering optical eyewear further including apassive filter layer, the passive filter layer being joined to thevoltage-driven display.

It is understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and exemplary only, and arenot restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention. Together with the description, they serve to explain theobjects, advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an eyewearframe that utilizes a light-filtering lens assembly;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of the eyewear framethat utilizes the light-filtering lens assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of the eyewear framethat utilizes the light-filtering lens assembly;

FIG. 4 illustrates a right side view of the embodiment of the eyewearframe that utilizes the light-filtering lens assembly;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of theeyewear frame with an attachable filter layer;

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of electrical connections and alight-filtering circuit of the embodiment of the eyewear frame; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a simplified circuit diagram of the light-filteringcircuit of the embodiment of the eyewear frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or moreexamples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example isprovided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation. Infact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the embodiments. For example,features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be usedwith another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it isintended that the present subject matter cover such modifications andvariations as come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

In the detailed description of embodiments that follows, references to“one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc.,indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described.

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describingselected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a light-filtering optical accessory that can beused in a variety of applications. The application primarily describesthe present invention as being used for viewing of radiological images,but this does not preclude the use of the present invention in otherapplications, examples of which include sports and photography. Thepresent invention is illustrated via FIG. 1-FIG. 7.

The present invention comprises an eyewear frame 1, a light-filteringlens assembly 2, an electrical system 3, a first ambient light shield 4,and a second ambient light shield 5. The eyewear frame 1 allows for thepresent invention to be used hands free, supported by a person's headand ears. The light-filtering lens assembly 2 serves to filter incominglight, providing optimal viewing conditions for viewing radiologicalimages. The electrical system 3 provides the necessary power (e.g., an8V power supply) for active light filtering mechanisms, as well asaccessory components as later described. The first ambient light shield4 and the second ambient light shield 5 help to increase contrast ofviewed images by blocking peripherally viewed light. The first ambientlight shield 4 and the second ambient light shield 5 may also includeapproximately greater than or equal to 90% tint. The basic configurationof the present invention, including first ambient light shield 4 and thesecond ambient light shield 5, is depicted in FIG. 1-FIG. 5.

These components create an enhanced viewing experience by increasing thecontrast of images (including both color and grayscale images) viewedthrough the light-filtering lens assembly 2. The light-filtering lensassembly 2 helps to control contrast as it allows images to be viewedthrough different color filters. For example, the light-filtering lensassembly 2, the first ambient light shield 4, and the second ambientlight shield 5 can be set to a different tint of yellow, orange, or red(or a combination of these tints) in order to enhance black and whitecontrast. Additionally, a dark red tint can be used to reduce eyestrain, as caused by acute change of spectra. An example of acute changeof spectra is quickly moving between dark areas and bright areas, suchas a radiologist might do when entering and exiting a dark room. Too,this has the benefit of keeping the eye acclimatized to low lightlevels, which is optimal for reviewing diagnostic medical images.

Another benefit of such a color filter is that the color yellowaccentuates grayscale images. Since diagnostic medical images areprovided in grayscale, a yellow filter optimizes contrast. The optimizedcontrast can help a medical professional see relevant details that mighthave otherwise been missed in normal viewing conditions. It is notedthat the present invention is not restricted to yellow, orange, or redfilters; any color combination of tints for a filter is allowed by thepresent invention. Indeed, the present invention facilitates easy andquick changes to tint colors thanks to the active filter mechanism ofthe preferred embodiment.

Describing the components of the present invention in more detail, theeyewear frame 1 comprises a first temple 11, a second temple 12, and alens frame 13. The lens frame 13 further comprises a first rim 14, asecond rim 15, and a bridge 16. The lens frame 13 is connected betweenthe first temple 11 and the second temple 12, while the bridge 16provides additional support by resting against a user's nose. The firsttemple 11 and the second temple 12, meanwhile, are generally parallelwith each other and perpendicular to a plane of the lens frame 13.Resultantly, the first temple 11 and the second temple 12 can rest overa user's ears, supporting the present invention in a desired position.

The light-filtering lens assembly 2 is mounted into the eyewear frame 1,such that the light-filtering lens assembly 2 is supported directly infront of a user's field of view. Preferably, to allow for an easilyadjusted filter, the light-filtering lens assembly 2 comprises avoltage-driven display 21. By increasing or decreasing the amount ofvoltage being supplied to the voltage-driven display 21, the propertiesof the light-filtering lens assembly 2 can be quickly and easilyadjusted as needed. For example, the voltage-driven display 21 mayadjust the amount of transmittance of light and/or the color of thevoltage-driven display 21. The voltage-driven display 21, the firstambient light shield 4, and the second ambient light shield 5 may beelectrochromic, photochromic, thermochromic, a suspended particle, amicro-blind, and/or a polymer dispersed liquid crystal light filter.

In the polymer dispersed liquid crystal light filter, liquid crystalsmay be dissolved or dispersed in a liquid polymer that is then followedby a solidification or curing process of the liquid polymer. Thethickness of the liquid polymer and the liquid crystals may be 0.06micrometers. The liquid polymer and liquid crystals may be placedbetween two layers or glass or plastic (e.g., a transparentpolycarbonate material with a thickness of 0.1 mm) that may include athin layer of a transparent, conductive material (e.g., an In—Sn oxide).The polymer may then be cured, forming a “sandwich” structure of thesmart display, which may effectively act like a capacitor. Electrodesfrom a power supply may be attached to the smart display to apply avoltage to the liquid crystal light filter.

When a voltage is not applied to the smart display, the liquid crystalsmay be randomly arranged resulting in the scattering of light as lightpasses through the smart display. This scattering of light may decreasethe transmittance of light in the smart display. When a voltage isapplied to the smart display, an electric field may be created in thesmart display that aligns the liquid crystals, thereby allowing light topass through and being minimally scattered. The degree of transparencymay be controlled by the amount of voltage applied to the smart display.For example, when less voltage is applied to the smart display, thesmart display will be less transparent because less of the liquidcrystals may be aligned. When more voltage is applied to the smartdisplay, the smart display will be more transparent because more of theliquid crystals may be aligned.

To manage the voltage-driven display 21, as well as manage the suppliedvoltage, the electrical system 3 comprise a power source 31 and apotentiometer 32. The power source 31 provides energy for operation ofthe present invention, while the potentiometer 32 allows for voltage tobe controlled in order to adjust the filtering properties of thevoltage-driven display 21. The power source 31, the potentiometer 32,and the voltage-driven display 21 are thus connected into alight-filtering circuit 6, serving as an active filter system for thepresent invention. The electrical connections and light-filteringcircuit 6 are visualized in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. While the describedembodiment of the present invention utilizes the voltage-driven display21 as an active filter mechanism, other active filter mechanisms couldbe used in place of or alongside the voltage-driven display 21 whileremaining within the scope of the present invention.

The first ambient light shield 4 and the second ambient light shield 5obscure a user's peripheral vision and prevent ambient light fromaffecting a user's eyesight. This effectively helps to further optimizecontrast of viewed radiological images. This accentuates the optimizedcontrast created by using specific color filters, e.g., using a dark redfilter to view grayscale images as earlier described.

Optionally, to further facilitate maintenance of visual acuity duringtransitions between dark areas and lighted areas (as with the earlierprovided radiologist example), an expanded light shield can beincorporated into the present invention. The expanded light shieldcomprises an upper visor and a lower visor that are perimetricallyconnected along the top and bottom edges of the lens frame 13. The uppervisor and lower visor are contoured to comfortably rest against aperson's face, similar to how the first ambient light shield 4 and thesecond ambient light shield 5 are ergonomically adapted to fit the sidesof a person's head. Resultantly, the visors in combination with thefirst ambient light shield 4 and the second ambient light shield 5 serveto completely seal the internal area of the present invention; the onlyentry of light is through a first lens 24 and a second lens 25 (e.g., afirst display 22 and a second display 23) of the present invention. Thefull assembly of light shields and visors also allows for the presentinvention to be worn over regular eyewear (e.g., corrective spectacles)when sized appropriately.

The power source 31, preferably, is housed within the eyewear frame 1,though in other embodiments the power source 31 may be externallymounted to the eyewear frame 1. The potentiometer 32 is mounted into theeyewear frame 1; this allows a user to access the potentiometer 32 andadjust the power source 31 to the voltage-driven display 21 as desired.Ideally, the potentiometer 32 is mounted to one of the two temples 11,12, or along one of the first ambient light shield 4 and the secondambient light shield 5. While the potentiometer 32 could be mounted at afront section of the present invention, next to the light-filtering lensassembly 2, such positioning could potentially interfere with a user'sfield of vision. Another possibility is the use of a wireless devicethat can remotely control the potentiometer 32, as later detailed.

While the present invention has thus far been described as primarilyutilizing an active filter mechanism, passive filter mechanisms are alsopossible. In an embodiment making use of such, the present inventioncomprises a passive filter layer 7. The passive filter layer 7 isadhered across the voltage-driven display 21, creating a desired filter(e.g., color, tint, or both) that overlays a lens. The specificimplementation of the passive filter layer 7 is not restricted by thepresent invention; for example, the passive filter layer 7 may be a thinfilm that is applied to a lens of the present invention. Alternatively,the passive filter layer 7 could be a coating which is spread across alens of the present invention.

One example of implementation of the passive filter layer 7 is aphotochromic polymer layer, as utilized in photochromic lenses. Anapplication of a photochromic polymer layer allows the lenses toautomatically darken (tint) when exposed to light. This tint requires noaction on the part of the user, only requiring the stimulus of light tooccur. In this manner, visual acuity can be optimized even when exposedto bright light, as the passive filter layer will automatically darkento accommodate for the change in lighting conditions.

It is noted that the photochromic layer can instead be integrated intothe lens construction, rather than being an adhered layer. The endresult remains the same, that being a passive filtering mechanism foroptimizing visual acuity. Beyond the example of photochromic technology,any passive solutions that help to optimize visual acuity are compatiblewith the present invention.

It is noted that the first ambient light shield 4 and the second ambientlight shield 5 are also considered passive in nature. The passive filterlayer 7, however, is intended to allow light through in a desired colorspectrum to allow a user to view images through the passive filter layer7, whereas the first ambient light shield 4 and the second ambient lightshield 5 are meant for completely obscuring light. In short, the firstambient light shield 4 and the second ambient light shield 5 are opaquewhile the passive filter layer 7 is transparent. Ultimately, both serveto control the amount of light that reaches a user's eyes with the goalof optimizing contrast in a viewed image.

Preferably, as illustrated, the eyewear frame 1 is of a two-lensconfiguration. That is, the eyewear frame 1 further comprises the firstrim 14 and the second rim 15, while the voltage-driven display 21comprises the first display 22 and the second display 23. The first rim14 is connected between the first temple 11 and the bridge 16 while thesecond rim 15 is connected between the second temple 12 and the bridge16. In other words, the first rim 14 is adjacently connected to one endof the bridge 16, while the second rim 15 is adjacently connected to anopposite end of the bridge 16. The first display 22 is connected intothe first rim 14, while the second display 23 is connected into thesecond rim 15. This culminates in two independent displays beingprovided, one for each eye of a user. The transmittance of light for thetwo independent displays may also be adjusted separately to provide thebest contrast resolution for the user.

Alternatively, the present invention could be provided in a visor-styleembodiment, in which a single unbroken lens extends across the entirefront of the eyewear frame 1. This visor-style embodiment has a singlerim in which the individual lens is secured, with the bridge forming arecessed section in the rim. Effectively, in this alternativeembodiment, the first display 22 and the second display 23 are joinedinto a unitary lens for both eyes. Otherwise, this embodiment isequivalent to the described preferred embodiment.

Further, the first temple 11 and the second temple 12 are preferablyhingedly connected, such that they may be folded between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration. The closed configuration ismore compact than the open configuration and reduces the amount of spacerequired for the present invention when it is not actively being used.

Another possibility for the present invention is the integration of awireless module 8. The wireless module 8 is housed within the eyewearframe 1 and is electronically connected to the potentiometer 32. Thewireless module 8 allows for remote adjustments of the voltage-drivendisplay 21. For example, instructions can be remotely communicatedthrough Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi, or similar technologies. Resultantly,radiology input devices such as eye tracking, gesture controls, andmouse and keyboard functions can be used to remotely control the presentinvention via the wireless module 8.

Also possible is the addition of ambient light sensors; these ambientlight sensors are mounted to the eyewear frame 1 and electronicallyconnected to the voltage-driven display 21. The ambient light sensorsmay also be mounted on the first temple 11, the second temple 12, thefirst rim 14, the second rim 15, and/or the bridge 16 of the eyewearframe 1. The ambient light sensors may include one or a plurality ofambient light sensors that coordinate together to assist in adjustingthe filter properties of the present invention. As the amount of ambientlight changes (e.g., as would occur when moving from a dark room to anoutside location), the ambient light sensors automatically adjust thefilter properties of the present invention by raising or lowering thevoltage provided to the voltage-driven display 21, thereby allowing theuser's eyesight to be less affected by the sudden change in brightnessfrom the dark room to the outside location and vice versa. The eyewearframe 1 may utilize the potentiometer 32, the ambient light sensors, orboth to adjust the voltage provided to the voltage-driven display 21.

The time period for the user's eyesight to adjust from a lighted area toa dark area is significantly larger than the time period for the user'seyesight to adjust from the dark area to the lighted area. To decreasethe amount of time it takes for the user's eyesight to adjust to thesurrounding, new ambient light, the eyewear frame 1 of the presentinvention utilizes the ambient light sensors to sense a change inbrightness of the surrounding area to automatically adjust the amount oflight perceived by the user. The eyewear frame 1 may also include aprocessor and memory to process information provided by the ambientlight sensors to adjust light transmittance and the voltage-drivendisplay 21 accordingly.

Whether the eyewear frame 1 utilizes the active filtering mechanismand/or the passive filtering mechanism, the eyewear frame 1 may allowfor optimal transmittance of light when the user is in the dark roomreviewing medical images and approximately 40-60% transmittance of lightwhen the user is in the lighted area/daylight. The user may also selectthe percentage of transmittance of light of the eyewear frame 1 when theuser is in the lighted area. For example, if the user selects 10%transmittance of light and utilizes a red-colored, passive filter layer7 that allows for 40% transmittance of light, the voltage-driven display21 may inhibit the remainder 30% transmittance of light to allow for theuser selected 10% transmittance of light.

Another example of the present invention for when the user is in thedark room reviewing medical images includes utilizing a yellow-colored,passive filter layer 7. If the eyewear frame 1 utilizes theyellow-colored, passive filter layer 7 and a clear voltage-drivendisplay 21, the yellow-colored, passive filter layer 7 may include a5-15% light yellow, variable tint (85-95% transmittance of light) andthe clear voltage-driven display 21 may further decrease thetransmittance of light to the percentage selected by the user. If theeyewear frame 1 utilizes the yellow-colored, passive filter layer 7 andnot the clear voltage-driven display 21, the yellow-colored, passivefilter layer 7 may include approximately a 10% light yellow tint.

An example of the present invention for when the user is in the lightedarea/daylight and not reviewing medical images includes utilizing ared-colored, passive filter layer 7. If the eyewear frame 1 utilizes thered-colored, passive filter layer 7 and a clear voltage-driven display21, the red-colored, passive filter layer 7 may include a 40-60% redvariable tint (40-60% transmittance of light) and the clearvoltage-driven display 21 may further decrease the transmittance oflight to the percentage selected by the user. If the eyewear frame 1utilizes the red-colored, passive filter layer 7 and not the clearvoltage-driven display 21, the red-colored, passive filter layer 7 mayinclude approximately a 60% red tint. It is noted that the presentinvention is not restricted to yellow, orange, or red filters; any colorcombination of tints for a filter is allowed by the present invention.

In an alternative example of the present invention, the voltage-drivendisplay 21 may utilize and switch between multiple colors withoutincluding a colored passive filter layer 7. For example, a coloredvoltage-driven display 21 may be yellow when the user is in the darkroom reviewing medical images and then switched to a red color when theuser is in the lighted area/daylight. The percentage of tint of thecolors may also be adjusted by the user to optimally view medical imagesin the dark room and to maintain activation of rods in the eye for lowlight level viewing. The colored voltage-driven display 21 may alsoinclude a colored passive filter layer 7, thereby utilizing twodifferent colors or two of the same colors.

Overall, the present invention provides a wearable accessory that helpscontrol visible light to optimize contrast when viewing images. Thoughthe preferred embodiment describes a combination of active and passivefiltering mechanisms, different embodiments may omit either filteringmechanism. For example, in the most basic version of the activefiltering mechanism, the first ambient light shield 4, the secondambient light shield 5, and/or the passive filter layer 7, may beomitted. Alternatively, in a simpler version, the voltage driven-display21 is entirely replaced by the passive filter layer 7.

The present invention can be provided as a standalone product or may beused to retrofit existing eyewear devices. For example, regularspectacles could be converted by adhering the passive filter layer 7 tothe normal lenses and attaching the first ambient light shield 4 and thesecond ambient light shield 5 to each temple 11, 12. The normal lensesof the regular spectacles may also be prescription lenses that aretailored to the individual user.

Several ergonomic features can be incorporated into the presentinvention. For example, just as the first temple 11, the second temple12, and the bridge 16 are ideally configured to comfortably rest over auser's ears and nose, the first ambient light shield 4 and the secondambient light shield 5 can be contoured to match the natural shape of aperson's head. Indeed, the first ambient light shield 4 and the secondambient light shield 5 can be customized to match a specific person'sindividual needs and facial contours. Likewise, the distance between aperson's eyes and the light-filtering lens assembly 2 can be adjustedaccording to personal needs.

While the present invention describes both active and passive filtersfor use with optical devices, it makes no restriction to the type offilter. Filters can be provided for any desired wavelength of light(i.e., color) and transmittance (i.e., how much light is allowedthrough). Multiple filters can be provided to allow a user greaterchoice in selecting an ideal filter for any given application.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light-filtering optical eyewear for controllingthe intensity and wavelength of light that is perceived by a user toachieve optimal contrasts when viewing medical images, thelight-filtering optical eyewear comprising: an eyewear frame, theeyewear frame including a first temple, a second temple, and a lensframe, the lens frame being centrally connected between the first templeand the second temple; a first ambient light shield, the first ambientlight shield being connected along the first temple; a second ambientlight shield, the second ambient light shield being connected along thesecond temple; a light-filtering lens assembly configured to optimizethe contrasts of the medical images being viewed by the user andmaintain activation of rods in the eyes of the user for low light levelviewing by the user, the light-filtering lens assembly including avoltage-driven display, the voltage-driven display being a liquidcrystal light filter and mounted onto the eyewear frame and beingconfigured to adjust a total transmittance of light and a color of thevoltage-driven display based on a voltage provided to the voltage-drivendisplay, when the user is in a dark room, the total transmittance oflight of the voltage-driven display being adjustable to be within therange of approximately 85-95% transmittance of light and the color ofthe voltage-driven display being yellow, and when the user is in alighted area or in daylight, the total transmittance of light of thevoltage-driven display being adjustable to be within the range ofapproximately 40-60% transmittance of light and the color of thevoltage-driven display being red; an electrical system, the electricalsystem being electrically coupled to the light-filtering lens assembly,the electrical system including: a processor; a power source; and apotentiometer, the potentiometer being configured to manually adjust thevoltage provided to the voltage-driven display; and at least one ambientlight sensor, the at least one ambient light sensor being electricallycoupled to the electrical system and being configured to automaticallyadjust the voltage provided to the voltage-driven display.
 2. Thelight-filtering optical eyewear in claim 1, wherein the power source ishoused in the eyewear frame and the potentiometer is mounted to theeyewear frame.
 3. The light-filtering optical eyewear in claim 1,wherein the lens frame includes a first rim, a second rim, and a bridge,the first rim being connected between the first temple and the bridge,the second rim being connected between the second temple and the bridge,and the bridge being connected between the first rim and the second rim;and the voltage-driven display includes a first display and a seconddisplay, the first display being connected to the first rim and thesecond display being connected to the second rim.
 4. The light-filteringoptical eyewear in claim 3, wherein a voltage applied to the firstdisplay of the voltage-driven display is different from a voltageapplied to the second display of the voltage-driven display.
 5. Thelight-filtering optical eyewear in claim 3, wherein the first temple ishingedly connected to the first rim and the second temple is hingedlyconnected to the second rim.
 6. The light-filtering optical eyewear inclaim 3, wherein the first ambient light shield is positioned adjacentto the first rim and the second ambient light shield is positionedadjacent to the second rim.
 7. The light-filtering optical eyewear inclaim 1, further comprising a wireless module to remotely control thepotentiometer, the wireless module being housed within the eyewear frameand being electronically coupled to the potentiometer.
 8. Thelight-filtering optical eyewear in claim 1, further comprising a passivefilter layer, the passive filter layer being joined to thevoltage-driven display.
 9. A medical image reviewing system forcontrolling the intensity and wavelength of light that is perceived by auser to achieve optimal contrasts when viewing medical images, themedical image reviewing system comprising: at least one medical imagedisplaying monitor, and a light-filtering optical eyewear including: aneyewear frame, the eyewear frame including a first temple, a secondtemple, and a lens frame, the lens frame being centrally connectedbetween the first temple and the second temple; a first ambient lightshield, the first ambient light shield being connected along the firsttemple; a second ambient light shield, the second ambient light shieldbeing connected along the second temple; a light-filtering lens assemblyconfigured to optimize the contrasts of the medical images being viewedby the user and maintain activation of rods in the eyes of the user forlow light level viewing by the user, the light-filtering lens assemblyincluding a voltage-driven display, the voltage-driven display being aliquid crystal light filter and mounted onto the eyewear frame and beingconfigured to adjust a total transmittance of light and a color of thevoltage-driven display based on a voltage provided to the voltage-drivendisplay, when the user is in a dark room, the total transmittance oflight of the voltage-driven display being adjustable to be within therange of approximately 85-95% transmittance of light and the color ofthe voltage-driven display being yellow, and when the user is in alighted area or in daylight, the total transmittance of light of thevoltage-driven display being adjustable to be within the range ofapproximately 40-60% transmittance of light and the color of thevoltage-driven display being red; an electrical system, the electricalsystem being electrically coupled to the light-filtering lens assembly,the electrical system including: a processor; a power source; and apotentiometer, the potentiometer being configured to manually adjust thevoltage provided to the voltage-driven display; and at least one ambientlight sensor, the at least one ambient light sensor being electricallycoupled to the electrical system and being configured to automaticallyadjust the voltage provided to the voltage-driven display.
 10. Themedical image reviewing system in claim 9, wherein the power source ishoused in the eyewear frame and the potentiometer is mounted to theeyewear frame.
 11. The medical image reviewing system in claim 9,wherein the lens frame includes a first rim, a second rim, and a bridge,the first rim being connected between the first temple and the bridge,the second rim being connected between the second temple and the bridge,and the bridge being connected between the first rim and the second rim;and the voltage-driven display includes a first display and a seconddisplay, the first display being connected to the first rim and thesecond display being connected to the second rim.
 12. The medical imagereviewing system in claim 11, wherein a voltage applied to the firstdisplay of the voltage-driven display is different from a voltageapplied to the second display of the voltage-driven display.
 13. Themedical image reviewing system in claim 11, wherein the first temple ishingedly connected to the first rim and the second temple is hingedlyconnected to the second rim.
 14. The medical image reviewing system inclaim 11, wherein the first ambient light shield is positioned adjacentto the first rim and the second ambient light shield is positionedadjacent to the second rim.
 15. The medical image reviewing system inclaim 9, further comprising a wireless module to remotely control thepotentiometer, the wireless module being housed within the eyewear frameand being electronically coupled to the potentiometer.
 16. The medicalimage reviewing system in claim 9, further comprising a passive filterlayer, the passive filter layer being joined to the voltage-drivendisplay.